“Welcome back,” Velia said with welcoming wide eyes as she planted a soft kiss on my cheek. Her hand wrapped around my neck and that teased me to turn the greeting into more. I kept my distance though and composed myself.
“I came by to get my copper from this young lady and you surprise me with orc bodies. May we hear a quick story of how you won the day? Not quite as easy to kill as goblins right.” Elan mentioned as he inspected the bodies.
“By the Gods! Gryff!” Elan shouted. “This is the chieftain who collects our monthly required food. The crown allowed him to pass the barrier wall. I wonder what this means for the next quota...”
Elan had paused mid speech in contemplation.
“How did the collection work anyway?” I asked.
“Once a month we collect every bit of food that is grown. Both here in the western fields, and the northern fields managed by the rest of the village. We make a big pile about the weight of three men by the northern boundary on the old road. This orc would come with a wagon pulled by two immense wolves. When he approached the barrier his crown would illuminate and he would pass through as if it was never there. Then he loaded up an exact amount that he somehow knew and would leave the rest. We always over delivered to ensure we meet our quota. Part of why we’re starving so badly right now is because were nearing the end of the month. In four days’ time, this orc is supposed to get our next supply. What happens then, I know not. I bet Duke Riza will know.”
“I will add it to the list of things to discuss with him tomorrow. As for the battle, little orc ambushed me from above, and the big boss exposed his upper body while protecting his legs. Then I ran like a scared child to ensure I made it to safety. Not a very interesting story really. Lessons were learned though.”
Velia cupped her hands around her lips. “Gather up, enough weed picking for today!”
“Weed picking?” I asked as the ladies and children made their way in from the fields.
“Yeah... I would say ninety percent of the time we spend in these fields is removing unwanted growth. The other five percent is pruning the fields and the last five are getting the actual food. We got all these wonderful supplies from Cern for new clothing and shoes but lack the time. We always work extra hard near the monthly deadlines. The risk is too great to fall short of the quota. If we had some trained goats or rabins that ate the weeds we could free up so much time. Lyna! Add baby goats and rabins to the list.” Velia shouted to Lyna. Lyna who was standing right by her chuckled and went to add the items.
Donnie saw my confused face. “Know what a goat is?” I nodded. He continued. “Rabin?” I shook my head no.
Elan handled the explanation. “A rabin is the size of a small wolf about knee high on me. It has a long thin snout with human like molars. It has horrible eyesight but great smell. They are uncommon this far south as they generally love the warmer climates. There are some cold climate versions that are generally in high demand. They love to eat weeds and dead plant growth making them ideal for farming. We had a livestock raiser who used to own the northern fields. A nice gent named Parka. Died during a raid along with all our animals. He raised them, said they were one of his best money makers. We actually still have a lot of pens for livestock in the north fields. Just no livestock.”
“Donnie mentioned farmer Parka when I asked about egg laying animals. Gods I am so hungry. Velia what can I do to help get some of this orc over the fire?”
“We got it. The heads will need to stay separate and left alone. They sell as a single unit to the alchemists. They differ from the goblins in that the skull itself is stripped of flesh, then used to brew potions in. The brains, eyes, tongue, and ears all have a purpose. Generally in a big city like Lakeland you sell the head, then they handle the parts. We will add the heart, liver, and bones in a separate pile. The bones get ground down into a strength potion. To be honest that is all I know about what happens to the parts that sell. Frin bought some of the orc bone purple potions before he left for war.” Velia said to me.
The ladies had quickly gutted the orcs and were bloodily flaying the meat off the bones. Thin strips of meat were skewered on sharp sticks and placed over the fire. The sizzle of the meat cooking made my mouth water.
Elan looked over at the pile of parts being saved. “The eyes are boiled into a potion to help with seeing issues or for scouts to see further. The brain is desired by the nobles who say it gives them or their children extra clarity while studying. It is ground into a paste and taken as a pill. Not sure about the heart, ears, liver, and tongue. Must be used in some spell or another. Maybe the Duke will know or some mage in Lakeland will give you an answer. So, Gryff, we generally pile our food together and work toward a common cause as a village, yet these orcs were slain outside the village. I don't want to impose but there are many hungry mouths to feed. May we have a lunch feast and invite the rest of the village who are working in the northern fields?” Elan asked.
I only briefly contemplated it. “Of course. We can always get more food. The smelons will start to ripen any day now, we have a trade convoy planned tomorrow, and after lunch, I am taking Donnie out to the caves to try to trap the war boar’s young. Since they are siblings I am not sure if we should breed them but if we are able to take them alive I think we should. You wouldn't know of a way to knock them out easily would you?”
“Club em on the head,” Elan said with a friendly banter.
We had a laugh at that. Pipi came over with a sizzling piece of meat. I gratefully took the stick she handed to me and kept blowing on the strip of cooked flesh. The moment it was cool enough I devoured it. A second stick was placed in my face and I gobbled that piece down too. Villagers poured down the ramp and joined our group as food was cooked and passed around. I thought people may have a problem eating sentient beings. Nope. When you’re starving you eat, or you die. I drank a full bucket of water after my meal and stumbled into the shed with a full belly.
Pipi saw me and followed me into the open overhang. She sat down then patted at her lap for me to rest my head. I got comfy on the dirt floor and placed my head on her leg. Pipi stroked my wild hair until I drifted off into a nap.
∞∞∞
I sprawled awake hunting for a warm body when I realized I was alone. I stood to see the sun past the midday mark. I observed more vines neatly stacked by thickness in the clearing by the fire pit. A large net was partially assembled by five women. Jak and Donnie were debating the trap manual from earlier. I stretched my way over to see what trouble I could get into.
“See how it calls for the weave to be like this.” Jak showed Donnie a part of a diagram. I was glad to see them getting along. Jak really had been a great addition.
“Okay, I see what I was doing wrong now. Afternoon Gryff, have a good nap? We figured you needed the rest from your exertions earlier. Momma bragged this morning about how even when exhausted you don't snore. Apparently that matters and she was happy about it. Mina tells me I snore when I sleep.” Donnie said to me.
He was right about needing the rest, but I felt great now and ready to go.
“I feel fantastic. What is the net for? The boars?”
“Actually no. They would tear right through these vines. This is to block any fish that make their way into our creek from the river. The water flow increased today. Lyna said if the dam bursts we may have flooded fields for a few days. We talked about how it might be the goblins and orcs over there messing with things. Or it could be the gap you created is widening. We would need Lydia to scout it by air to know for sure or risk it and scout by foot.” Jak told me.
“Great thinking. When we fly off for Lakeland tomorrow I will take a peek over there. How long until you’re done with this?” I asked pointing to net being assembled.
“The ladies will finish it. You ready to try to get those young boars? I decided to help you.” Jak said. He set the manual on the ground and placed a rock over it. He then grabbed a pike from the tool pile and sl
ung the javelins on his back with a new string.
I joined him and Donnie in getting ready to go back out. My armor went on and I latched my weapons to my back and belt. The three of us walked through the village and to the map Lydia had drawn earlier.
“Jak, we are here. This is the trail the war boar used.” I said as I started to indicate places on the map. “We follow this trail south, then cross this creek, and travel to these caves. If we get separated to get home follow the boar trail until you see fresh direction marks in the trees. Turn left or west to get back to the village safety. I will make sure to show you the marks when we pass them. Before we leave the trail to cross the creek we will make fresh marks there too. The goal is to keep things simple, be safe, and try to come back with more food. If we find nothing we can come home empty handed without pressure. The orc meat and fish feast means the villagers have eaten well lately.”
“Got it, boss. I am nervous but excited. I’ve never crossed the boundary on foot before.” Jak told me.
“You will feel a tingle and then it is over. I have seen a goblin run into the barrier, it was funny.” Donnie said.
“Alright, I will haul the cart for now. Let’s get started.” I said.
We crossed the eastern boundary and walked to the boar trail. I noted the area to Jak and showed him the direction marks on the trees. I took him to the north side where the arrows pointed right then the south side and had him face north where the arrows pointed left. He reminded me he was not a child or dumb and we moved on.
We were quiet as we progressed south toward our turn at the creek. Donnie spotted two smelon trees that we passed by. Donnie and I marked trees on the path with a circle and arrow toward the fruit. I was excited to mention these later to the ladies. I would be gone to visit the Duke for at least a day so maybe Donnie could come out here with someone and harvest them.
I heard the creek off to my left and raised a hand to halt us. I pulled them in close to relay a message to them.
“Creek is over here on the left. I am going to check it for predators and a potential ambush. I will also look for a crossing. Remember, I say run. Go north, turn left at the arrows.” I whispered to them both.
They nodded in understanding and I left the trail. The bushes were thin around the pines. The floor dominated by pine straw. That gave me a reminder of something on my to do list. I needed to get the floor of the half shed covered thick with straw. It would help mud from forming on the floor and keep the chill of the earth off those sleeping there.
I took my steps carefully and even looked into the empty treetops. It was quiet and peaceful. The creek was small and I saw no signs of game trails or Horde movement.
I hurried back to Donnie and Jak who were partly hidden. That was good, better than standing dumbly out in the open. I grabbed the cart and forded the creek with no issues. We made a trail through the pines for a good twenty minutes until we entered open fields. Tall oats sporadically swayed with the gentle breeze. They dominated the competing wild weeds and underbrush in the treeless area. You could tell this had been a farmer’s field previously.
“Oat field. See how they beat out most of the weeds. This was a good farm at one point. A bit far for harvesting and out in the open. Not sure we should ever risk coming here to harvest this. Also, see how often these are eaten. It would be better to hunt the prey that eats here.” Donnie said.
Jak and I listened closely with rapt attention. We knew nothing of farming and I thought Donnie was spot on. You could see multiple game trails through the fields and areas that had been eaten. We walked up the fields and toward a cliff face. As we neared the cliff I halted the group and held another close meeting. I adjusted the cart to park and kneeled beside it. This let the oat fields which were almost five feet high hide us from sight.
“You will know it is me approaching if you hear a 'Hoot'. If you hear me make a 'Cacaw' I am pushing something to you so get ready to ambush it. If you hear 'Run', run for the village. If you hear 'Clear' stand up and come to my voice. Neither of you is trained in fighting yet, so unless we can ambush something you’ll not be fighting. If you hear fighting without orders stay here and wait to hear from me. If ten minutes goes by and you hear nothing then expect that I am dead or captured and get back to the village. I wish we had better ranged weapons for you both. Crossbow? Do they exist?” I asked.
They both shrugged uncertain what I was talking about. I didn't want to get into a lengthy talk so I left it for a question to ask in Lakeland.
With our call outs covered I left the two of them hidden and approached the cave. The cliff face was made of a silty clay material. It looked soft and not something I would attempt climbing. I could see trees at the plateau. The cliff stretched for a few miles until the plains blended into it with gentle slopes. The cave entrance opened into a ten feet tall and five feet wide tunnel. It looked man made and judging by the planted fields it probably was. I paused, looked, and listened.
I gave it a few minutes where all I heard was my breathing and the occasional sound of birds. The end of the oats opened into about two hundred feet of exposed low grass to the tunnel entrance. I glanced around for cover to hide behind in case a boar came charging at me and only saw one large rock by the wall. I felt uncomfortable about this open area.
I stayed in the oat fields behind cover just on the edge. I had arrived at an angle and stalked toward the center of the opening. I desired a deeper glimpse inside the cavern before I left the protection of the oats. I also kept glancing up at the top of the cliff to ensure no Horde were gazing down at me from above. I crossed directly in front of the entrance when I noticed something.
A worn trail went through the oat fields and right into the cavern. There was heavy traffic on this path, and very recently, lots of blood. I reached down and felt the blood. It was cool but not cold. I followed the trail of blood with my eyes and looked at how it splattered. It definitely started from the fields and lead into the cavern. I backtracked to Donnie and Jak.
“Hoot,” I said softly every ten feet as I approached. I found them still by the cart, both attentive. Jak with the pike and Donnie with his sword and shield.
“There is a big blood trail leading into the cavern. Something came home wounded, the splatter was distinct. I want you guys closer to the entrance when I go inside. So follow me.”
They nodded and we quietly made our way to the trail with the blood. I had them set up five feet off the trail still in the tall oats. Without saying a word to them I left the cover of the field and jogged toward the cliff wall. I posted up on the right side of the opening and peaked in. The blood was thicker here as if whatever was bleeding had slowed. I took a deep breath, calmed my nerves and went in.
I had my sword and shield only, the greataxe and pike were left at the cart. The sun bore down at an angle that helped me see deeper into the cave. The cave floor was well worn and I looked for prints in the blood but saw none. I paused and listened. It was eerily silent. The tunnel turned with a slight bend to the right. There was only a splash of illumination this far deep.
I was nervous to the point of shaking and unsure what to do if I had to continue in the dark. What I saw around the bend was the best case scenario for me. The massive momma boar laid there dead, her glazed eyes open. A large wood spike had broken off the barricade and was lodged in her gut. I could only assume after my fight with the chieftain things in the clearing had gone wrong. If the mom came back dying then the young boars probably abandoned the area.
I trotted to the cave entrance and said “Clear.” Donnie and Jak stood up, grabbed a side of the cart each and hustled to me. Once they were inside the cave I belted my sword and slung the shield on my back. I grabbed the greataxe off the cart and propped the pike on the cave wall.
“Alright guys, the mom war boar died. It looks like she tried to jump the spiked barricades at the clearing and got mortally wounded. She is dead around the corner. I saw no tracks in any of the blood she
dropped all over the floor in here. If I had to guess her younglings fled when she came back hurt. We have no idea when the orcs will follow her trail but I think we are safe for now.” I led the way deeper into the mine and stopped at the massive body.
“That thing is huge, how are we ever going to lift it onto here? And why do you think the orcs won’t come here?” Jak asked as Donnie went to the body and began chopping the tail off.
“The young man gets it. We cut it up and piece it on here. Don't worry I am very strong. I can haul it back, the only issue will be crossing the creek but the three of us should manage it. Oh, and the orcs will be here. I can guarantee it, but not today. I killed their chieftain, so that means decisions fall to the next boss. Deciding who the next boss is takes time. Not only that, if they want to bring the beast back they would need a wagon or a very large amount of orcs. Both probably require them going back to their settlement which Lydia said was much further to the north. They may have a scout posted to keep an eye on the prize but I wouldn't expect more than that.”
I positioned myself so my body's center aligned with the robust neck. I raised my greataxe testing if I had enough room for a full swing. I found there was plenty of room here. I took a long backswing and exerted all my effort into a mighty chop. It dug so deep blood and neck muscle exploded out the sides.
“What!” Donnie yelled.
“The seven hells!” Jak yelled.
The gore from the chop had covered both of them in blood and bits of matter. They were fully soaked in it. I felt bad but couldn't contain it. I burst into fits of laughter. I tried so hard to calm myself. I hoped they would join in on the fun to no avail.
“Sorry still learning my strength here. I promise to do normal swings if you guys are lined up on the sides.”
I got right back to work hoping time would ease their anger. The neck took a dozen swing but finally, the head was free. I didn't place it on the cart in case we were limited on weight by the axle.
Gryff Boxset Page 11